He that would live in peace and at ease must not speak all he knows, nor judge all he sees.
I think opinions should be judged by their influences and effects; and if a man holds none that tends to make him less virtuous or more vicious, it may be concluded that he holds none that are dangerous, which I hope is the case with me.
When in 2015, virile young men and women, as if charmed, came all out to support the election of President Muhammadu Buhari and forsaking all, it was with the hope that he would live up to his words, commitment, promises and covenant with the people.
“Change dole” was his mantra but as he winds up his first term in Office, it became glaring that not much has really changed. He claims to have done a lot and I agree that he has but alas anyone can do any amount of work, provided it isn’t the work he is supposed to be doing at that moment.
When Philosopher Ralph Siu was asked for a bit of wisdom, he offered a story. “Observe the cormorant in the fishing fleet. Do you know how cormorants are used for fishing? A man in a rowboat has about a half-dozen cormorants, each with a ring about its neck. When the bird spots a fish, it dives into the water and catches the fish in its beak. The ring prevents the bird from swallowing the fish. The fisherman takes the fish from the cormorant, which then dives for another fish.”
Just as fishermen take advantage of cormorants, leaders sometimes take advantage of followers. The cormorant is a slave to the fisherman. A true leader, however, does not enslave people, but serves them.
How much has President Buhari served us and changed things? With Bandits yet killing people all across the country? With Kidnapping now made a viable busimess? With standard of living now ever low, with debts all around? With deceit of employment that never was? With the enrichment of a few cronies at the agony of the many? With no regard to democratic tenet hence flagrant abuse of the rule of law and selective prosecution amid ignoring court orders bothering on the principles of the Constitution?
Confused, twisted concepts of leadership have produced dysfunctional, ineffective leaders and organisations. President Buhari is chief in twisted leadership. He has learned business-based attitudes and practices of leadership. This infiltration of man’s attitudes and practices of leadership has affected the nation negatively.
Godly democratic attitudes and practices, not business practices adapted to the state governance, must govern the nation. The people is a living organism designed by the Master Carpenter, justice.
President Buhari has become Controlling leader, who depends on external control, restrictions, and regulations exhibiting “I’m superior” attitude and use relationships for selfish ends. –working like dictator who do not accept input.
The Hebrew word for leader is nagiyd. The root meaning of the word is “servanthood” which incorporates being an example to people. The Hebrew word for king is malak or melech. The word, although quite neutral, can include the idea of ruling or reigning with a strong hand.
A real leader faces the music, even when he does not like the tune. But such can’t be said of Buhari of today. Change is inevitable but for us as a people, Progress is optional.
The most important thing with communication is to hear what is not being said and what’s not being said is that even the President knows he has lost it with the people.
When you are finished changing, you are finished. Buhari has changed so much that I doubt if there is more except for brandishing cards and like it has eternally been said, not much is expected of a man who by himself retard his own growth.
To work effectively as an agent of change in a pluralistic society, it is necessary to be able to connect with people different from oneself.
When enthusiasm is inspired by reason; controlled by caution; sound in theory; practical in application; reflects confidence; spreads good cheer; raises morale; inspires associates, arouses loyalty; and laughs at adversity, it is beyond price.
Leaders who can stay optimistic and upbeat, even under intense pressure, radiate the positive feelings that create resonance. By staying in control of their feelings and impulses, they craft an environment of trust, comforts and fairness. And that self-management has a trickle down effect from the leader.
This is the leader Buhari has failed to be and as the nation warms up for the beginning of his second term in office, it is the beginning of the era of an end. May the nation benefit.
Ayodeji Ologun is a political analyst, public speaker and broadcast journalist. He writes from Akure
